Class Action Against General Electric Microwaves
In this case, the plaintiff is a GE-branded microwave oven owner who claims that his unit exploded in his home, causing smoke and property damage. According to the putative class action lawsuit, the product allegedly caused the microwave to explode, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage and even fatalities of pets. The lawsuit alleges that the GE branded microwaves were not adequately tested before they were marketed.
Patterson
The plaintiffs in the class action lawsuit against GE have successfully gotten the court to certify a nationwide class of owners of GE microwave ovens for damages. The faulty glass door, the design, and the manufacturing of these appliances contributed to the defective product. As a result, the lawsuit seeks to protect the public from the dangers of microwave ovens. In Patterson v. General Electric Microwaves, the plaintiffs sought class certification on behalf of all consumers who purchased GE microwave ovens.
In the case, the plaintiffs cite expert analysis that shows the GE microwaves in question have a 1000-fold higher failure rate for glass breakage than any other GE model. Plaintiffs also point to evidence that shows GE is deceiving its consumers. It misrepresented that the failures were “rare,” suggested that the glass is intrinsically fragile, and falsely stated that their microwaves had a good safety record.
Zavareei
A class action lawsuit filed against General Electric is set to receive a significant financial settlement. The plaintiffs in Zavareei vs General Electric Microwaves allege that certain GE microwaves failed to function properly. The lawsuit claims that the glass door of the microwave shattering and the hinge spring failing were caused by defective products. The lawsuit seeks $5 million in damages and class certification.
GE microwaves are known for their long lifespan and premium quality. They also feature advanced features including sensor-controlled cooking, one-touch presets, and stand-alone kitchen timers. Hamilton Beach, on the other hand, appears to have exited the microwave market a while back, so it’s not easy to find a good deal on the company’s older releases.
Sedgwick
In June 2016, the General Electric Company sold its appliance division to a subsidiary named Haier Qingdao Co., Ltd. The new company took over all assets and liabilities of the former GE Appliances division, including the “GE” brand. Haier is a Delaware corporation with its principal place of business in Louisville. The plaintiff subsequently filed suit against Haier. The case is currently pending before the Delaware Supreme Court.
The plaintiffs, in this case, are asking the court to certify a nationwide class of GE microwave oven owners, based on expert analysis. According to the expert report, the GE microwaves at issue experienced a 1000 times higher rate of glass breakage than other GE models. This amounted to deliberate misrepresentation on the part of GE. While claiming that failures were “rare” and suggesting that glass is intrinsically fragile, GE’s lawyers failed to disclose the cause of glass breakage in the microwaves.
General Electric
In a settlement reached in December 2013, the General Electric Company agreed to pay $300 per affected consumer. The settlement covers approximately 68,000 microwaves. It is likely to exceed $20 million in total. GE has not admitted fault or liability for the problem. Plaintiffs say GE intentionally attempted to hide the defects from consumers. The lawsuit cites evidence from GE’s files to support its claims. It also alleges that microwaves are defective in several other ways.
In a motion for class certification, plaintiffs point to expert analysis that shows that the defective microwaves sold by General Electric had a 1000-fold higher glass breakage rate than all other GE microwave models. Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification cites other evidence that suggests GE lied about the failure rate of the microwaves. GE falsely stated that failures were “rare” and suggested that glass is intrinsically brittle.
Samsung
In a recent decision, the US District Court for the Southern District of New York dismissed a General Electric Microwaves lawsuit against Samsung for failure to remedy defects in the microwave ovens. The court ruled that Samsung was responsible for the fire hazard posed by its microwaves by failing to replace a defective membrane panel. Samsung knew that its product posed a fire risk, but failed to take action. Samsung was also found liable for numerous complaints regarding child labor in the supply chain.
The plaintiff’s case argues that the company failed to remedy these problems, and violated the limited warranty granted by GE. The warranty is one year, and it is unclear if Samsung has done so. The plaintiff’s complaint fails to allege a quantifiable loss. It also fails to elaborate on how the defective product caused her condition. Furthermore, her complaint and brief lack any support from case law.
In this case, the plaintiff is a GE-branded microwave oven owner who claims that his unit exploded in his home, causing smoke and property damage. According to the putative class action lawsuit, the product allegedly caused the microwave to explode, causing hundreds of thousands of dollars in property damage and even fatalities of pets. The…